Only 9 lifers left.

Not yet, and probably not for a while. I am on with the cadet program with a school out in Denton, TX. I am trying to figure out which aircraft I would like to fly if I were to be afforded the opportunity to choose. At the end of the day, a jet is a jet, is a jet and I will be appreciative to be building 121 turbine time. I wanted to find out from those that have been in the same boat, if it were better to take the bonus money with the 140/145 or enjoy the forward lav of the 175.

Between the two sides of the company, which one seems to have most productive NH experience?

175 ORD by a landslide

31 lifers based on the 3xp on the 145 DFW. Anyone have any numbers on other positions?

Basically, the NH experience on the 145 is awful because of NYC. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, and I don't recommend coming to Envoy to anyone who isn't a cadet because of it. The company and union agreed to do some things to soften the blow of NY reserve, which has helped a lot. Now you can at least earn money instead of dipping into your savings and paying to work for the first 3 months, but the QOL and morale is low and everyone is just trying to get out.

What’s so bad about NY for a new-hire FO?? Three months of unlimited hotels and positive space travel. By then you should easily be holding a line. What about the one’s who live in the Northeast? Isn’t NY a no-brainer for them?

I get the DEC argument, but an FO looking for rapid seniority progression would likely do well in NY.

Different story if you live in the Midwest or West. I just think NY gets a worse rap than it really deserves. IF the airline was stagnating, which it’s not, then long-time reserve there for a commuter could be a costly proposition due to the crash pad and transportation issues.

ORD Seniority
 

Any chance of a newbie getting ORD based after training?

That’s just a crock of crap. I did almost a year as a new hire in LGA, two leg commuted much of the time and never used a commuter clause. NYC will always be the turnover base for airlines because people don’t want to be there, but it’s not that bad.

Absolutely. Either pick ORD 175 in training (if offered, and if it’s available when your turn comes up), or preference bid a base transfer. ORD should not take long to get into on the 145. My guess is within 6-7 months (1-2 vacancy bids) of your class date.